Griquas announce 30-man squad for historic first overseas tour
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Fresh from successfully defending their Carling Currie Cup title, the Griquas are turning their attention to uncharted territory as they prepare for their first-ever overseas tour.
The Northern Cape champions will travel to Georgia to compete in the inaugural Tbilisi Cup, but they will head into their historic campaign without several of the key players who helped deliver back-to-back domestic titles.
Following the departure of a number of Griquas stars who have attracted attention from higher levels of the game, they have also acquired the services of a host of new players.
The Griquas have confirmed a 30-man touring squad for their historic campaign, combining established players with a number of new arrivals.
*Continues below…
Aidon Davis’ rugby comeback after cancer is completehttps://t.co/jYfktnXQQw
— Rugby365 (@rugby365com) September 22, 2026
Among the new faces are centre Luke Burger, who joins from the Stormers on a short-term contract, and flyhalf Danrich Visagie, who has signed a long-term deal after impressing for the Pumas.
Visagie was the leading points scorer in the SA Cup with 112 points and played a decisive role for his side before joining the Griquas.
Loose forward Ntsika Fisanti has also made the move from the Pumas on a long-term contract, while outside back JC Mars joins from the Stormers on loan.
Hooker Janus Venter adds further experience after spells with the Free State Cheetahs, Chicago Hounds and Eagles in George.
Prop Mhleli Khuzwayo has arrived from the Stormers on a long-term contract, while hooker Willem van den Hever joins from the Sharks on a short-term deal.
Van den Hever first made his mark with Maties in the Varsity Cup before playing a key role in the Griffons’ 2025 Currie Cup First Division title-winning campaign. He subsequently joined the Sharks and established himself as a starting hooker during the 2026 Currie Cup.
With Whitehead unavailable, Liam Koen and Visagie are expected to shoulder much of the creative responsibility at flyhalf, while Caleb Abrahams, Bobby Alexander and Jack Hart provide scrumhalf options.
Out wide, Sako Makata, JC Mars and returning back Connor Mahoney offer plenty of attacking threat as the Griquas look to adapt to life on the international stage.
The Griquas begin their historic campaign on Thursday, September 24, when they face Georgia’s Black Lion at the Avchala Stadium in Tbilisi.
Griquas touring squad:
Forwards:
Leon Lyons, Corne Lavagna, Mhleli Khuzwayo, Janus Venter, Willem van den Heever, Ntobeko Shezi, Ebune Ngundue, Johan Louw, Derik Pretorius, Lungi Mbiko, Albert Liebenberg, Ntsiki Fisanti, Lourens Oosthuizen, Carel van der Merwe, Marco de Witt, Phumzile Maqondwana, Dillow Smith.
Backs:
Caleb Abrahams, Bobby Alexander, Jack Hart, Liam Koen, Danrich Visagie, Sako Makata, JC Mars, Connor Mahoney, Mnombo Zwelendaba, Damian Markus, Tom Nel, Luke Burger, Stefan Coetzee.
Your home for rugby. Download the RugbyPass app on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android) now!
Follow your favourite teams, tournaments and players, and get personalised news and Match Centre notifications direct to your device.
From live rugby streams and upcoming fixtures to breaking news, in-depth analysis and live scores, RugbyPass has everything you need to stay connected to the game.
